Sara Jane Mathis, age 92, of Dyersburg, TN, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Dyersburg Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on May 7, 1933, in Washington, DC, she was the beloved daughter of the late James Thomas and Katherine Joy Finley. Sara was a dedicated employee of Dyersburg Fabrics, where she worked for 30 years. She was a proud graduate of the Tennessee School for the Deaf in Knoxville, TN, and was honored by being inducted into the TSD Hall of Fame in 2012.

Her commitment to the deaf community was unwavering. She was a charter member and served as president of the Jackson Chapter of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf. Her advocacy extended to the state and national levels, where she was fondly regarded as the 'Deaf Mother' to many. Sara was also appointed to Governor Lamar Alexander's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, serving throughout his administration.

In her spiritual life, Sara was an active member of the Silent Friends Sunday School Class and Deaf Ministry at First Baptist Church, where she interpreted church services, enriching the lives of many.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Heflin Cemetery in Dover, TN with Mr. Bobby Swift officiating. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Mathis Family will receive visitors from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Survivors include her son, Tom Mathis and wife, Cheryl, of Dyersburg, TN; a brother, Charles Hale and wife, Carolyn, of Fallston, MD; a nephew, Shawn Hale of Fallston, MD; and her best friend, Judy Golladay of Dyersburg, TN. She was "Nanny" to her five grandchildren, Zane Mathis and wife, Lauren, John Mathis and wife, Marielle, Jack Mathis, Cara Hassell and husband, Patrick, and Kristen Lanier and husband, Eric; and three great-grandchildren, Avy Mathis, Tucker Hassell and Adelyn Hassell.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Sara was preceded in death by her husband, P.A. Mathis; and a brother, Ernest Hale, Jr.

Honoring Ms. Sara as pallbearers will be Zane Mathis, John Mathis, Patrick Hassell, Eric Lanier, Tim McCraw, Jeff Agee, David Stanfield and Buddy Hart. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Mathis, Shelley Wellington, Jerry Beasley, Bill Baker, Jason Harper and Steven Stanfield.

Memorials may be directed to the West Tennessee School for the Deaf, 100 Berryhill Drive, Jackson, TN 38301.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Sara Mathis. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net